Weathervane Theatre to Present North Country Shakes: Shakespeare 101

WHITEFIELD, NH— Weathervane Theatre is pleased to present North Country Shakes: Shakespeare 101 June 18 – July 7. Presented on Weathervane’s outdoor stage, this FREE programming will play at 5 PM on June 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, and July 1. Should a performance be canceled, an additional performance will be held on July 7 at 12 PM. For the first time, North Country Shakes will tour and perform at the Rocks in Bethlehem on June 24 and 28 at 5 PM. North Country Shakes is made possible by a Challenge America Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

North Country Shakes is an educational and artistic opportunity for students throughout Coös County and surrounding areas to experience Shakespeare how it’s meant to be experienced—seen and not read. Helmed by Jorge Donoso, this new and original adaptation of Shakespeare’s works will bring audiences to the Weathervane’s outdoor stage. 

A fun and high-energy 30-minute show, discover the timeless magic of William Shakespeare with North Country Shakes: Shakespeare 101. From witty insults to iconic expressions, join us outside at the Weathervane Theatre for this family and pet-friendly theatrical experience. From Swift to Sondheim, immerse yourself in captivating music and text inspired by the Bard and classic Shakespeare.

Representing a wide variety, the cast of North Country Shakes features many local youth talent, including Ophelia Beebe, Alton Bradbury, Claudia Canuto, Chloe Gagnon,  Nolo Gonzalez, Brooke Lavoie, Kansas Lynch, Violet Strevig, Carra Tetreault, and Nora Woodson.

“After the success of the last two installments of North Country Shakes, we are so excited to bring this free programming to the North Country once again and collaborate with so many talented local young artists,” said Donoso.

A fully realized production, North Country Shakes is written and directed by Jorge Donoso alongside co-director Kelly Strandemo and associate director Billy Smith. It also features designs by Rien Schlecht (costumes), Joseph Rivera (sound), and Billy Smith (props). Stage management by Emma Aldrich Jordan and Billy Smith and technical direction by Camden Dalie Keech. 

North Country Shakes is FREE, and no reservations are required. Seating will start thirty minutes before the performance, and patrons should bring their own blankets/chairs. Chairs are available upon request and on a first-come, first-served basis. The bar featuring beer, wine, and snacks will be open one hour before showtime. If a show is canceled due to rain, it will be announced on Weathervane’s social media platforms. 

Weathervane’s 59th season opened June 13, 2024, and runs through October 13, 2024. Season productions include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, What the Constitution Means to Me, The Wedding Singer, Skeleton Crew, The Story Goes On: The Songs of Maltby & Shire, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, The Full Monty, Clue, Romeo & Juliet, and Cabaret. Single tickets and subscriptions are currently on sale at weathervanenh.org, by phone at 603-837-9322, or by visiting the Weathervane box office at 389 Lancaster Rd. in Whitefield, NH.

ABOUT THE WEATHERVANE

The Weathervane Theatre was founded in 1965 by Gibbs Murray and the late Tom Haas and is under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Ethan Paulini. It has presented high-quality professional productions of plays and musicals for over half a century. One of the few remaining alternating rep companies in the United States, the Weathervane is recognized as a historical institution nationwide, boasting among its alums 2021 Tony nominee Elizabeth Stanley, Tally Sessions, four-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn, and recent Tony Award Winner Ari’el Stachel.  

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Media Contact: Carrie Greenberg
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