Weathervane Theatre to Present “North Country Shakes: The Bard on Broadway”

WHITEFIELD, NH – June 12, 2023 – Weathervane Theatre is pleased to present North Country Shakes: The Bard on Broadway June 14 – 25. Presented on Weathervane’s outdoor stage, this FREE programming will play June 14 and 17 at 5PM as well as June 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, and 25 at 6PM. 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 all 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. 

North Country Shakes returns for a second year after last year’s extremely successful run. This year’s edition, The Bard on Broadway, features not only Shakespeare’s works but also songs from musicals inspired by Shakespeare. See the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet and then experience “Tonight” from West Side Story. View excerpts from Hamlet followed by a performance from The Lion King. Continuing its mission to make Shakespeare as accessible as possible, experience the modern day relevance and entertainment of the world’s greatest playwright.

Representing a wide variety, the cast of North Country Shakes ranges from members of Weathervane’s professional acting company to local school children and features Ophelia Beebe, Julia Bogdanoff, Alton Bradbury, Nick Deapo, Bridgette Doherty, Morgan Forest, Chloe Gagnon, Carrie Greenberg, Brooke Lavoie, Sierra Norko, Oleode Oshotse, Ryan Rosenthal, Deb Stinehour, Violet Strevig, and Pyper K Williams.

“After the success of last year’s 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 artists,” said Donoso.

A fully realized production, North Country Shakes is written and directed by Jorge Donoso alongside associate director Billy Smith. It includes music direction by Andrew Morrissey. It also features designs by Rien Schlecht (costumes and set), Robert Salerno (sound), Scout Hough (lighting), and Billy Smith (props). Stage management by Emma Jordan and Billy Smith, production management by Scout Hough, and technical direction by Camden Dalie Keech. 

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

Weathervane’s 58th season opened June 9, 2023 and runs through October 14, 2023. Season productions include Jersey Boys, Stones in His Pockets, Honky Tonk Laundry, Meteor Shower, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mamma Mia!, Guys and Dolls, and Primary. 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. Call the box office for hours of operation.

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. For over half a century, it has presented high quality professional productions of plays and musicals. One of the few remaining alternating rep companies in the United States, the Weathervane is recognized as a historical institution nationwide, boasting among its alumni 2021 Tony nominee Elizabeth Stanley, Tally Sessions, four-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn and recent Tony Award Winner Ari’el Stachel. 

Weathervane can be found on Facebook and all other social media platforms @weathervanenh. 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow NEA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Media Contact: Carrie Greenberg
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