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A Gospel Tale
Best of Both Worlds re-imagines Shakespeare
Photo: T. Charles Erickson
As the American Reparatory Theater continues its Shakespeare Exploded Festival, Best of Both Worlds is brought to the stage. A soulful re-imagining of A Winter’s Tale, Best of Both Worlds uses the music of R&B and gospel to tell the classic tale of redemption and love presents Shakespeare as he has never been seen before, and offers theater that will prove fun for the whole family.
The talent that the American Reparatory Theater has managed to acquire is simply astounding. Hot off of her 2009 Tony nomination for last year’s revival of Hair, Diane Paulus helms the musical that will feature several local choirs including Boston Community Choir (New Year’s Eve performance), Kingdom Sanctuary Choir, Harvard University Kuumba Singers and the Tufts University Gospel Choir. As Ezekiel, Greg Baker brings a distinguished pedigree that includes performances at the MET in Aida and Carmen and Porgy and Bess. Starring as Violetta is Mary Bond Davis, who originated the role of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray on Broadway and has appeared in a host of films. And Jeannette Bayardelle stars as Serena, a role that she created in critically lauded New York production of Best of Both Worlds.
Best of Both Worlds will be presented by the American Reparatory Theater at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle Street, Cambridge. Tickets are $25 – $75, student rush $20, Seniors $10 off ticket price and can be purchased online at www.AmericanRepertoryTheater.org, by phone at 617-547-8300, or in person at the A.R.T. box office.