ARTS COUNCIL OF BIG SKY
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform “As You Like It” in Town Center Park in Big Sky on Tuesday, July 1.
As one of the summer’s most anticipated events in the region, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks brings free professional productions to communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho, western North Dakota and eastern Washington. The self-reliant company features 10 professional actors selected by national audition who tour without technical assistance to bring live theater to primarily in rural communities.
“As You Like It” will be set in 1917 Butte, where the resplendent, urbane world of the Copper Kings will be contrasted with the healing, natural world of the Montana wilderness. The classic Shakespeare comedy tells the story of the exiled Rosalind and Orlando, who must find their way – and love – in a new world. The production is directed by new artistic director Kevin Asselin who has a rich history with MSIP as tour actor, educator, fight choreographer and director.
MSIP opened its first season in the summer of 1973. Since then, the troupe has performed more than 2,250 times to nearly three quarter of a million people becoming a mainstay of Montana culture.
The company’s contribution to the cultural fabric of Montana and its unique ability to serve the most remote rural areas have been chronicled by Montana PBS, NBC Nightly News, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, among others. In 1991, the company received of the Montana Governor’s Award for the Arts, the highest state honor that can be bestowed on an arts organization.
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.
Visit bigskyarts.org for more information.
