FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT:

Brandon W Vernon,
410-244-8571 x116
vernon@chesapeakeshakespeare.com

CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 19TH SEASON LINEUP THROUGH SUMMER 2022

Baltimore, Md. (Dec. 8, 2021) – On the heels of its annual holiday presentation of A Christmas Carol, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will resume a regular production schedule in 2022 with three shows to comprise their 19th season. This shortened subscription season begins in February with a presentation of the modern American classic, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry (Feb. 4 – 27, 2022), followed by the final installment of William Shakespeare’s Henriad, Henry V, later in the spring (Apr. 22 – May 15, 2022). Both will be performed in the company’s downtown Baltimore theatre. After a successful return to PFI Historic Park in Ellicott City, Md. last summer, “Shakespeare Under the Stars” returns with the bard’s beloved romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing (June 17 – July 24, 2022). The show was originally slated for summer 2019, but had been postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will be the fourth production of the popular Much Ado in the company’s history, while the sweeping war epic Henry V has only been staged once before, in 2007. And though the winter presentation of A Raisin in the Sun is not CSC’s first foray into presenting plays from the past century, it will be the company premiere of this seminal work and Producing Executive Director Lesley Malin is excited to continue growing CSC’s repertoire with the play that “changed American theater forever.” (The New York Times)

Malin says, “Our commitment to bringing classic theatre to audiences in Baltimore and beyond may have begun with Shakespeare, but it doesn’t end there. The canon of classic plays is ever expanding. A Raisin in the Sun is decidedly one of the most important works of theatre to be created in the past hundred years, especially for its compelling, unfiltered depiction of the Black experience in America. But Lorraine Hansberry’s potent and honest characterization of the universal struggle between individual autonomy and familial duty is, dare I say it, downright Shakespearean. While Raisin may still be timely because the fight to end systemic racism in this country is far from over, it will always be timeless because of Hansberry’s nuanced and profound portrayal of family.”

In addition to mainstage and summer shows, CSC will also revive in-person performances for its School Matinee program with special winter presentations of A Raisin in the Sun, as well as its customary spring production of Romeo and Juliet. Prior to the pandemic, over 14,000 Maryland middle and high school students attended student matinees at CSC annually.

For those interested in securing their first choice of seats for CSC’s 19th Season, subscription packages go on sale today and include a 20% savings on single ticket prices. Single tickets for all shows will go on sale in the new year. Patrons can purchase a two-show package for the Baltimore productions (A Raisin in the Sun and Henry V), or create a three-play subscription by adding on the summer show (Much Ado About Nothing) at PFI. Any patrons who opted to keep their money “on account” for use at a future performance due to COVID-19 cancellations will be able to apply that reserve to a subscription or single tickets for any of these upcoming shows in 2022.

Full details for each show, including casting, will be announced closer to the dates of production. For more information about subscriptions, single tickets and School Matinees, visit www.chesapeareshakespeare.com or call the box office at 410-244-8570.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

A Raisin in the Sun
By Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Reggie A. Phoenix
7 S. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md.

Performances run February 4 – 27, 2022, including School Matinees. Previews are February 2 and 3, with Opening Press Night on February 4.

“A Raisin in the Sun” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Henry V
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Alec Wild
7 S. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md.

Performances run April 22 – May 15, 2022. Previews are April 20 and 21, with Opening Press Night on April 22.

Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
Directed by TBA
PFI Historic Park, Ellicott City, Md.

Performances run June 17 – July 24, 2022. Previews are June 15 and 16, with Opening Press Night on June 17.

WHERE:
The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company theatre is located at 7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. The Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park is located at 3655 Church Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Parking for the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park is located at 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City, MD, 21043.

For detailed information about directions, parking, and public transportation, click here.

TICKETS:
Subscriptions and tickets can be purchased by calling 410-244-8570, ordering online at ChesapeakeShakespeare.com, or visiting the Box Office in person. Discounts are available for subscriptions, groups of ten or more, active-duty military, seniors, and anyone age 25 or younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

ABOUT CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY:
Founded in 2002, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is the leading classical theatre company in Maryland, offering vibrant performances that blow the dust off Shakespeare and delight its patrons. One of the six largest theatre companies in the state, CSC serves diverse audiences with funny, moving, rousing mainstage seasons, a vigorous education program that serves over 16,000 students annually in both theatre and the classroom, and a growing community engagement effort including a model Veterans program and the Black Classical Acting Ensemble.

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company has three venues. Its indoor performances are presented at the stunning, award-winning 266-seat Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Theatre, with a thrust stage uniquely designed for CSC performances. Next door to the theatre and linked are its administrative offices and The Studio at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, which serves as a classroom, rehearsal space, and alternative performance area. CSC’s summertime outdoor home is in nearby Ellicott City and features performances and education programming at the PFI Historic Park, a gorgeous spot for picnicking and watching Shakespeare under the stars.

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