Shakespeare in Love

August 4–September 3, 2023

Select Thursdays–Sundays at 7 PM
Sanborn Skyline County Park (Saratoga, CA)
Tickets: $25-$55

Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but he's in desperate need of inspiration. That is until he finds his muse: the feisty, brilliant, and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming, and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece. Based on the Academy Award-winning movie, this hilarious and romantic reimagining of William Shakespeare’s process is sure to enchant audiences.

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall
Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman + Tom Stoppard
Directed by David Leon

Rated PG for Parental Guidance

SPECIAL NIGHTS

ASL-interpreted Performance
Sunday, August 20th

Renaissance Dress-up Night
Thursday, August 24th
Anyone who dresses up receives a free raffle ticket that is good for a chance at one of our exciting prizes that evening!

SYNOPSIS

A young William Shakespeare, suffering from writer's block, searches for a new muse to inspire him as he is unsatisfied with his script—Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter. Viola de Lesseps, a wealthy aristocrat whose father is arranging a wealthy marriage for her, is entranced with the theatre and Shakespeare's works and dresses up as a boy named Thomas Kent in order to audition for Shakespeare's newest work. Attending a ball where Viola is to meet her betrothed, Shakespeare locks eyes with her and during a dance is convinced that he has found his new muse and perhaps his true love, but they are forced apart. After casting Thomas Kent in his new play, Shakespeare is astounded at how much Thomas reminds him of his lost muse, Viola.

Meet the Cast

SAM/CATLING/MUSICIAN
Lysander Abadia

NURSE/KATE/MUSICIAN
Vanessa Alvarez

WESSEX
Erik Browne

SHAKESPEARE
Kyle Dayrit

 

NED ALLEYN/WAITER
Arturo Dirzo

MOLLY/QUICKLY/ROBIN
Aleisha Lew

HENSLOWE
Vaughn Mayer

RALPH/BARMAN
Ronnie Misra

 

BURBAGE
Guillermo Morales

ADAM/BOATMAN
Tyler Paranoia

VIOLA
Jocelyn Pickett

FENNYMAN
Christian Pizzirani

 

WEBSTER/ACTOR
Skyler Riordan✝

MARLOWE
Myles Rowland

QUEEN ELIZABETH
Betsy Shipounoff

TILNEY/FREES/PETER
Brandon Silberstein

 

LAMBERT/NOL/GUARD 2
Greg Small

DE LESSEPS/CONDELL
Kyle Smith

 

✝2023 Acting Trainee

 

Creatives + Crew

DIRECTOR Dave Leon • ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Drew Benjamin Jones • PRODUCTION MANAGER Tonya Mara • STAGE MANAGER Rebecca Voss • ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Aadi Shah • TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Kevin Davies • SOUND DESIGNER Charlie Hoyt • COSTUME DESIGNER Grace Robertson • PROPERTIES DESIGNER Leslie Todd • FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER Tom Shamrell • DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER Valeria Valenzuela • INTIMACY DIRECTOR Sadie Haas • HAIR + MAKEUP DESIGNER Melissa Jones • DRAMATURG Doll Piccotto • LIGHTBOARD OPERATOR Cayleigh Coester

 

COVID Safety Protocol

SVS is following county recommendations for outdoor settings, and as such, is not requiring audiences to be masked at our performance of Shakespeare in Love. But masking is not discouraged or frowned upon!

Policy is subject to change according to the venue and county regulations.


FAQs

Are dogs allowed?

Well-socialized dogs on a leash are welcome, but we ask owners to choose seats on the left side of the audience, closest to the creek. This lets people with allergies or fear of dogs keep a suitable distance. Exceptions can be made for qualified service dogs.

 

Is the show appropriate for children?

We pride ourselves on providing entertainment for the entire family. Due to graphic content inherent in many of Shakespeare’s works, we recommend parents familiarize themselves with the plays and determine if they are appropriate for their child. To assist parents we have provided a rating system. (This production is rated PG for Parental Guidance.)

 

Can we bring a picnic?

Of course! There are several areas in the park to enjoy a picnic. If you come early to picnic, we recommend you have someone get in line 30-45 minutes before the performance to reserve seats, then return to finish your picnic. Peterson Grove, though conveniently located, is only available to our patrons if there is no wedding or other event present. Other picnic tables are available, just up the hill. When you walk out of the parking lot, turn left.

 

What time will the performance end?

Sanborn Park has a curfew requiring everyone to leave the premises by 10 PM. Therefore, all performances end at or before 9:30 PM, for a total runtime of no more than 2.5 hours, including intermission.

Can I buy tickets at the venue on the day of a performance?

Due to the limited capacity of the venue, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. By purchasing your tickets online, you will receive a confirmation email with your eTickets which you can present to the ticket scanner. Please print your eTicket or save it to your phone before you arrive at the show, as cell phone service in Sanborn Park is poor.

People purchasing tickets at the park can pay with cash, Visa or Mastercard (cellular data access permitting), or a check made out to Silicon Valley Shakespeare.

Is seating reserved?

Seating in Sanborn Park is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue opens for seating at approx. 6:30 PM. But members of our Donors Circle and subscribers get earlier access. At that time, you can claim your seats with a blanket and then continue to enjoy a picnic in the park.

All seating consists of gray folding chairs with padded seats and backs.

Will there be food and beverages available for purchase?

We have a well-stocked concessions stand where you can purchase wine, water, snacks, cookies, candy, and cold and hot beverages, perfect for complementing a picnic you might bring to enjoy before the performance.

 

What time does the show start?

All performances at Sanborn Park begin at 7 PM.

Where and how do I park?

Sanborn Park charges a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. There is limited lighting in the parking lots after performances, so you might consider bringing a small flashlight.

Are children welcome?

Children must be supervised at all times. We ask that at least one adult be present for every six children in attendance. If you choose to drop a teenager off, note that Sanborn Park closes for entry at sunset and you cannot drive into the park later to retrieve your child. Cellular phone service in the park is very limited, so your child will not be able to reach you if they wish to leave early. Silicon Valley Shakespeare is not responsible for any child left unattended.

Is there a dress code?

Not at all! The performance is outdoors in a park where the terrain is primarily dirt and gravel. We recommend wearing shoes that let you walk safely to and from the theatre; high heels are not a good choice. The weather can change quickly, so we recommend that you bring something warm to wear later in the evening. If you bring/wear a hat, we request that it be one that won’t obstruct someone else’s view.

 

Can I sit in those cool thrones in the back of the theatre?

Royal Seating is an exclusive SVS experience! Extra-comfortable seats, a private seating area, a designated usher pre-show and at intermission. This is the lap of luxury for your evening’s entertainment! Available as a benefit to select members of our Donors Circle, though some are available for purchase at some performances. You can become a member of our Donors Circle by clicking here, or ask about upgrading your ticket purchase at the Box Office if you see those seats are empty.