Shakespeare in the Park(s); for Free, Times Three

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Montgomery County

The Commonwealth Classic Theater Company’s production of Shakespeare’s "The Tempest" makes three stops in Montgomery County this summer, part of its longer tour throughout the region.

The cast is highly acclaimed, including David Howie — a 30-year veteran of the stage — as the wizened Prospero.

Howie’s past credits include roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theater, both in London. He has appeared on television and the Broadway stage, and past costars have included Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen and Dame Judy Dench.

Howie is joined by a cast of 12 who bring to life the revenge tale that begins with a dramatic onstage shipwreck.

The Montgomery County run of The Tempest is as follows:

· Saturday, July 11, 7 p.m. at Green Lane Park

· Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 p.m. at Morris Arboretum

· Thursday, July 23, 7:30 p.m. at Whites Road Park, Lansdale

“This play is perfect for summer,” said Allan Radway, the production’s director. 

“It’s one of Shakespeare’s shorter works. But it’s also one of his later ones; so this is Shakespeare at his peak. It’s a ‘kitchen-sink’ play, with comedy and drama and the central themes of empathy, forgiveness and letting things go. And it works really well in the lush settings we’re playing.”

There is no charge for admission; however, several shows invite donations and at-will offerings.