Dukakis returning to Shakespeare and Co.

LENOX – Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, of New York City, will return to Shakespeare and Company next summer for a production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to have Olympia join us again for our 36th season,” said Shakespeare and Company Artistic Director Tony Simotes, who will also be directing the play. “I’m eager to explore the depths of this fascinating play with her and Apollo [Dukakis], and once again share her immense talent with our audiences.”

Ms. Dukakis’ brother, Apollo, will also co-star in the production. They previously collaborated with Mr. Simotes for the summer production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

“I had a terrific time last summer exploring The Tempest with Tony and the amazing cast and crew,” Ms. Dukakis said. “I consider Shakespeare and Company one of my artistic homes – a place of artistic support and enthusiasm. I jumped at the chance to get in the room with Tony and my brother again.”

Money-making season

The Tempest, which sold out its entire run, is part of a lucrative season for Shakespeare and Company, which met its $6 million goal this summer and is currently at 115 percent of its target, according to Managing Director Nicholas J. Puma Jr.

“This season went from a game-changer for us to a dynasty,” he said. “We had tremendous momentum when we opened in May, and we’ve only picked up steam over the course of the fall.

“I credit Tony Simotes, our staff and our board of trustees for their tireless work and enduring imagination,” Mr. Puma added. “The company now sits at 115 percent of its 35th season target, which we close out at the end of March 2013.”

“We’re so proud of the work we’ve done the productions we’ve staged, and to have our patrons share in that enthusiasm is incredibly inspiring,” Mr. Simotes said.

Full 2013-2014 announcement

The announcement of Mother Courage and Her Children serves as a prologue for the December announcement of the full 2013-2014 season at Shakespeare and Company.

According to a release from the company, the 36th season will also include “at least two Shakespeare titles and a few other surprises and special engagements.”

Immediately following the announcement, ticket packages will be available for purchase at the box office, by calling (413) 637-3353 or online at shakespeare.org.

Posted by Catherine M. Krummey on November 1, 2012. Filed under Arts and Entertainment,Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry