The timeless tragedy of family, power, and betrayal takes center stage this month as the Basin Lake Theatre Project presents William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The production is set to run on the last two weekends in March at the Cosmos Theatre, formerly the PCA Studio Theatre, promising an unforgettable experience.
For this production Director Julie Chavez Harrington has blended the classic text with a fresh, modern vision. It’s a pet project for her, poised to breathe new life into the legendary tale of a king’s descent into madness.
“I’ve had this on my mind for a couple of years, and it’s because of one certain actor in our community, and his name is Frank Malle. I’ve worked with Frank for years now, over a decade in different capacities, I’ve seen him on stage several times, and I think he is absolutely remarkable. I walked out of a rehearsal with him one day and I pointed to him and said, ‘I would really love to direct you in Lear.’ Our community, or if I could be hyperbolic, the world, needs to see Frank Malle as Lear. He’s amazing,” says Harrington.
Locally known for her love of Shakespeare’s plays, Harrington has long been a proponent for bringing his work to the stage. “I really got into Shakespeare in high school; that would be my fun, reading Shakespeare. I remember being maybe 15 years old and in my room, I was reading Romeo and Juliet, and there's a part where her mother is asking the nurse when was she born again, and the nurse says, ‘Oh well, I remember it very clearly, Lammas Eve,’ and in the footnote I had to look up what the heck is Lammas Eve: Lammastide is August 1, so Lammas Eve is July 31, which is my birthday. At that time, Juliet Capulet and I had the same initials, I was Julie Chavez. So that was, I think, Shakespeare’s little wink to me, like, ‘keep up with me, girl!’ I've been in love with Shakespeare ever since.”
The cast features a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talents. As mentioned, Frank Malle, a veteran of the local stage, will play the titular role, alongside Trish Tracy, Marissa Ellis, Hannah Palazzi, Scott McGee and Roger Tippin in the main cast, to name a few. The ensemble promises to bring energy and nuance to Shakespeare’s rich characters, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking performance. The production will also feature innovative technical elements and set and lighting designs that reflect Lear’s emotional turmoil, designed to immerse the audience in the chaos of a kingdom falling apart.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Shakespeare or a newcomer to his works, this production of King Lear promises to capture the essence of one of the Bard’s greatest tragedies. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this powerful story brought to life by the incredible talent of Prescott’s Shakespearean community!
For more information and tickets visit basinlaketheatre.org and kinglearprescott.eventbrite.com.
