King Lear Open Rehearsal Packs 'Em In

Yesterday's Public Rehearsal for King Lear set a new STC attendance record for this type of event. Over the course of the day, more than 1000 people lined up and got in to see Director Robert Falls work with Stacy Keach and a cast of more than 30 actors as they went through a "spacing" rehearsal for the opening scenes of King Lear. Patrons were treated to seeing the actors work the opening "dividing of Lear's kingdom" scene, a raucous dance number, Edmund's opening soliloquy and a little bit of stage combat as well.

While attending a Public Rehearsal was a new experience for many audience members, it was a first for many of our artists as well. "Just to keep things fair," Robert Falls quipped, "this week we'll all be coming to wherever you work so we can watch what you do."

"I didn't know it was going to be so modern," patron Dorothy McPhee commented, "and it was terribly exciting to see Stacy Keach do his stuff."

Patrons also entered a drawing to win two free tickets to the production during its run from June 16 to July 19. The randomly selected winners were Kourtney W. of Woodbridge, VA and Michael V. of Washington DC. Congratulations to our prize winners and thanks to all who entered the drawing.

This free public event was the fourth and final Public Rehearsal for this season. Given the success of this event, you can bet there will be more of them in the 2009-2010 season. To make sure you always have advance notice, join our e-mailing list at ShakespeareTheatre.org.

Photo credits: Laura Odeh as Cordelia gets the third degree from Stacy Keach as King Lear. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Patrons line up down the block on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon for a free sneak peek at actors rehearsing.

Hm, maybe we should sell tickets to this thing?