Shakespeare in the Parks comes to NW Montana

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ 2013 tour comes to Northwest Montana this month.

The traveling theater troupe will perform Shakespeare’s "Henry V" and George Farquhar’s "The Recruiting Officer” at several local venues.

Catch “The Recruiting Officer” Sunday at the Libby Middle School Amphitheater.

“Henry V” will be staged Saturday at the Heron Ballfield in Heron, Monday at Eureka’s Historic Village, Tuesday at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, and Friday, Aug. 23, at the Double Arrow Lodge grounds in Seeley Lake.

All shows begin at 6 p.m.

In its 41st season, the troupe expects to perform 75 performances in 60 communities in the region.

The company features 10 professional actors selected by national auditions who tour without technical assistance to bring live theater to communities primarily in rural areas.

"This summer, an anticipated audience of over 30,000 will be treated to two wonderful performances that encompass classic history to hilarious restoration comedy," said Joel Jahnke, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ artistic director and a professor of theater at Montana State University.

Jahnke, who has been with the company since 1977, will direct this year's production of "Henry V." During his tenure, Jahnke has directed more than 40 productions for Shakespeare in the Parks. He is retiring Aug. 31.

Associate artistic director William Brown directs "The Recruiting Officer." Elegant costumes and beautiful scenery, along with original music by award-winning composer Andrew Hansen, will complement the restoration comedy.

All performances of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks are free, and tickets are not needed for admission. Audiences are encouraged to show up prior to the appointed curtain time with chairs, blankets, a picnic supper and friends and family to enjoy the evening.

For more information on the plays and a complete tour schedule, visit the company’s website, www.shakespeareintheparks.org.