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The Winter’s Tale Brings Shakespeare Back to the Roxy Regional Theatre

By Bill Larson | March 10, 2012 |

Clarksville, TN – Last night the Roxy Regional Theatre kicked off a production of one of William Shakespeare’s classic plays The Winter’s Tale, a story of envy, revenge, love and, ultimately, redemption. This marks their 27th consecutive year producing the Bard’s classic stories.

The play was directed by John McDonald and edited by Brandon Meeks, and tells the story of the jealous King Leontes of Sicilia who nearly topples his own kingdom when he falsely accuses his queen of adultery with his childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia. In his foolishness and rage, he loses his wife, his son, and his baby daughter. The cycle of life and the power of true love come alive upon the Roxy stage, as a family is reunited, both physically and spiritually, through the power of forgiveness.

The Winter’s Tale stars Colin Ryan as Leontes, Evy Gildrie-Voyles as Queen Hermione, and Brandon Meeks as Polixenes; and features Josh Bernaski as Antigonus, Ryan Bowie as Camillo, Hannah Church as Emilia, Jay Doolittle as the Shepherd, Ted Jones as Autolycus, Travis Kendrick as the Clown, Ashley Laverty as Paulina, Gregory Pember (by permission of Actor’s Equity) as Florizel, and Kendall Anne Thompson as Perdita.

The play is presented in modern dress using classic Shakespearean language. In spite of the Bard’s powerful command of the English language these talented actors have no trouble delivering a full range of emotion in doing so fulfilling the drama of their roles. The sets are simple setting the mood without getting in the way of the action.

The final question is always “To see, or not to see?” And I can offer my recommendation without reservation. You should take the time to go see this wonderful production. The skill of the Roxy’s cast brings the story to life while at the same time making Shakespeare accessible to the casual theatre audience.

“The Winter’s Tale” continues tonight at 8:00pm, and runs March 9th through March 17th, playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, with a 2:00pm matinee on Saturday, March 17th. Tickets are $15.00 (adults) and $10.00 (ages 13 and under) and may be purchased online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at 931.645.7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday).

Photo Gallery

The Story

ACT I

Polixenes, King of Bohemia, visits his longtime friend Leontes, King of Sicilia. Unable to convince Polixenes to extend his stay, Leontes asks his wife, Hermione, to persuade him. Her success in this causes Leontes to believe that she has been unfaithful. In anger, Leontes instructs his courtier Camillo to poison Polixenes; Camillo, however, cannot do the deed and flees with Polixenes to Bohemia.

Meanwhile, Hermione is arrested and brought to trial for adultery, despite the words of the Delphic oracle, who has proclaimed Hermione innocent. While imprisoned, Hermione gives birth to a daughter, whom Leontes promptly disowns and commands Antigonus to abandon in the desert. Antigonus does so, but is devoured soon after by a bear, and the baby is discovered by a shepherd, who raises her as his own daughter, Perdita.

Tragedy soon besets Leontes as the trial progresses. His only son, Mamillius, dies from grief over his mother’s predicament. Hermione, too, is reported dead by her waiting woman, Paulina. This is enough to make even Leontes realize what his jealousy has cost him; in mourning, he goes into seclusion.

ACT II

In Sicilia, Florizel and Perdita are welcomed at the court of Leontes. Polixenes soon follows, accompanied by Camillo and the old shepherd, and he and Leontes eventually reconcile. Perdita’s identity as the king’s daughter is revealed, and Leontes and Polixenes are delighted that their children will be wed.

Leontes’ new joy, however, is tempered by the bitter memory of Hermione’s death. Paulina then takes Leontes and the others to view a statue of the queen that is actually Hermione herself — the queen has lived in hiding for the past sixteen years. Thus Leontes is reunited with his wife and daughter, his best friend, and his close advisor, Camillo.

The Cast

Shakespeare at the Roxy Regional Theatre

27 Years of Presenting Shakespeare on the Corner of Franklin and 1^st . . .

• 1986 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• 1987 – Macbeth
• 1988 – Romeo and Juliet
• 1989 – The Merchant of Venice
• 1990 – The Tempest
• 1991 – The Merry Wives of Windsor
• 1992 – Julius Caesar
• 1993 – Macbeth
• 1994 – Hamlet
• 1995 – Romeo and Juliet
• 1996 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• 1997 – Richard III
• 1998 – King Lear
• 1999 – Henry V
• 2000 – Taming of the Shrew
• 2001 – Romeo and Juliet
• 2002 – Hamlet
• 2003 – Macbeth
• 2004 – Twelfth Night
• 2005 – The Merchant of Venice
• 2006 – Antony and Cleopatra
• 2007 – Othello
• 2008 – Julius Caesar
• 2009 – Macbeth
• 2010 – As You Like It
• 2011 – Hamlet
• 2012 – The Winter’s Tale

About Bill Larson

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