Shakespeare, Biggs and Boscobel

Shakespeare on the Hudson, Aug. 18

The Yale Westchester Alumni Association's Shakespeare at Boscobel series continues Sunday, Aug. 18 with a production of "All's Well That Ends Well" by the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison, NY.

A YWAA tradition, the event this year includes, as usual, a pre-performance reception and lecture by Yale Associate Professor Murray Biggs.  The lecture starts at 3 pm at the Hastings Center in Garrison.  Afterward, guests are permitted to stroll and tour the historic, scenic grounds of Boscobel, have a picnic along Hudson River, and enjoy the summer sights of the river and the Hudson Highlands.

The performance, directed by Russell Treyz, starts at 7 pm. The Hudson Valley group is known for creative, novel interpretations of Shakespeare Works. The group performed "King Lear" earlier this summer at a YWAA-hosted event at Boscobel. 

Prof. Biggs, who joined the Yale faculty in 1986, teaches English and theatre studies.  During the last school year, he taught undergraduate courses in "Shakespeare Acting" and "Tragedy."  He has directed over 40 productions.

YWAA-sponsored performances at Boscobel the past two years have included "Hamlet," "Love's Labour Lost," and "Comedy of Errors."

Reviewing the Hudson Valley production in the Poughkeepsie Journal, Matt Andrews, the director of Marist College's theater program, called this rendition of "All's Well" "an original, hilarious and touching interpretation with countless comedic styles executed by a superb ensemble."  He added, "(This interpretation) is a surprising joy" and awarded the production an "A-" grade.

Yale Prof. Murray Biggs

Richard Ercole, Jessica Frey in "All's Well That Ends Well" (William Marsh photo)

Yale alumni and guests interested in purchasing tickets to the Aug. 18 performance and the pre-performance lecture/reception should click Tickets or go to the YWAA website: www.yalewestchester.org. Bruce Jennings '71, past president of YWAA, is the event organizer. 

TW