BWW Preview: SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE at Palm Canyon Theatre

Plays are frequently adapted into motion pictures, but it's a novelty for a movie to become a play. This weekend only, Palm Canyon Theatre (PCT) presents a live version of the 1998 megahit motion picture, Shakespeare in Love. The story was first presented onstage in 2014 on London's West End, but PCT's production is one of the first in Southern California.

Much as the motion picture featured a trove of name actors, this stage production has tapped on some 24 of the most valued and beloved actors in the Coachella Valley, including Terry Hubler, Hal O'Connell, Alan Berry, Luke Rainey, Jason Lewis, Garnet Smith, Aiden Bosworth, and Tucson the Wonder Dog. Leading the cast as Will Shakespeare is Jonathan Hatsios, who gained attention with Dezart Perform's Rabbit Hole and PCT's Yellow.

The fictitious story traces a love affair between Will Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps that occurred while he was writing Romeo and Juliet. The similarities between onstage and offstage difficulties provide both laughs, and an enduring love story that thrilled moviegoers two decades ago. The stage productions seems to have satisfied those movie fans, and developed a whole new generation of fans of the romance.

PCT was largely formed some 21 years ago by the Layne family, and this production is a great showcase of their talents. The play is directed by Dr. William (Bill) Layne, assisted by daughter Se Layne. Set and lighting are by son/brother J. W. Layne, and costumes by resident designer Derik Shopinski.

The production plays for one weekend only, March 21 - 14, 2019. Tickets and further information are available at www.PalmCanyonTheatre.org or by phoning the box office at 760-323-4123 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.