It's Festival! Stratford Time Again at Shakespeare Theatre

The following is a press release.

Festival! Stratford celebrates its ninth year of free Shakespeare on the lawn of the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre, featuring five FREE nights of CT Free Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, July 31-Aug. 4.

In Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare tells us "the course of true love never did run smooth," and we are transported to a forest, with runaway lovers and simple townsmen embroiled in the antics of feuding fairies.

Identities are mistaken, potions go awry, mayhem and hilarity ensue, and, ultimately, true love prevails - all live happily ever after.

The play is directed/produced by Ellen Leiberman and presented by Stratford Arts Commission and The Stratford Center for the Arts at The American Shakespeare Theater. 

Festival! Stratford takes place on the beautiful grounds of the American Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford, overlooking the Housatonic River Delta.

In addition to the mainstage production, there will also be jazz on the lawn each night at 6 p.m., an Arts Marketplace Friday, Saturday and Sunday, family activities on Sunday, as well as morning yoga and zumba Thursday- Sunday!

So gather the family or friends (or both!), pack a picnic and come enjoy Shakespeare's most magical and romantic comedy under the stars! (program at www.festivalstratford.org)

And Attention Artists and Crafters! Festival! Stratford is offering an Arts Marketplace for visitor's shopping pleasure this year, attendees are invited to come early on Friday, Saturday or Sunday to see and shop- up to an hour before showtime- for arts and crafts from regional artists.

Festival! attracts 3000+ attendees from throughout the region over the weekend. All types of art will be represented including but not limited to: painting, metalwork, pottery, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, food products, and all arts and crafts are original!

If you are an artist or crafter interested in participating in the Arts Marketplace, please get the downloadable application at: www.festivalstratford.org

Spaces will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. We’re pleased to offer free parking, free coffee & doughnuts for vendors, and bathroom breaks. Send back before July 12, 2013 to reserve your space and be included in the program book.

Play begins nightly at 8 p.m. In the event of severe weather, program may be cancelled.  Daily updated event info can be found at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalStratford