Riverside Announces "Theatre in the Park" Selections

Iowa City – Riverside Theatre in the Park returns to the Riverside Festival Stage in Iowa City’s Lower City Park this summer, June 20 – July 13 with Shakespeare’s drama Othello, directed by Theodore Swetz, and the modern comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, directed by Ron Clark.

Tickets go on sale this April. More information at riversidetheatre.org, or 319-338-7672.

About the Plays
Shakespeare’s Othello is an emotionally gripping thriller of jealousy, passion and revenge. The story explores race, betrayal and politics through the tumultuous romance of the military general Othello, his wife Desdemona and Othello’s secret rival, Iago. Othello is a must-see classic for all fans of the stage. Directed by Theodore Swetz.

Called by The Guardian, “Rollicking, fast-moving and hilarious,” The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is a full-power, energetic romp through Shakespeare covering all 37 plays in 97 minutes – with some creative editing, of course! This parody of the classic plays includes modern pop-culture references, audience engagement, and improvisation - enough to make any Shakespeare lover, or hater, laugh out loud. Directed by Ron Clark.

Featured Cast
Daver Morrison will be playing the title role of Othello in Riverside Theatre in the Park’s 2014 production. Mr. Morrison has performed nationally with stage credits ranging from A Raisin in the Sun at Capital Repertory Theatre in New York to A Midsummer Night's Dream at Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. He has also appeared in several daytime television series including One Life to Live and All My Children.

Iowa City actor Tim Budd returns this season as Iago, while Kelly Gibson, who previously played Portia in The Merchant of Venice, returns from New York as Desdemona. Othello will be Mr. Budd’s 40th performance with Riverside Theatre.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] will feature returning performers Spence Christensen (Kansas City), Christopher Peltier (Chicago) and John William Watkins (New York), previously seen in Riverside Theatre in the Park’s 2013 productions of Hamlet and The School for Scandal.

RIVERSIDE THEATRE IN THE PARK 2014 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Othello by William Shakespeare

Friday, June 27, 8:00PM
Saturday, June 28, 8:00PM
Sunday, June 29, 7:00PM (Family Night)
Tuesday, July 1, 7:00PM (Family Night)
Wednesday, July 2, 8:00PM
Thursday, July 3, 8:00PM
Saturday, July 5, 8:00PM
Sunday, July 6, 7:00PM


The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]
by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield

Friday, June 20, 8:00PM
Saturday, June 21, 8:00PM
Sunday, June 22, 7:00PM (Family Night)
Friday, July 4, 6:00PM (Special 4th of July performance before the Iowa City area fireworks begin)
Tuesday, July 8, 7:00PM (Family Night)
Wednesday, July 9, 8:00PM
Thursday, July 10, 8:00PM
Friday, July 11, 8:00PM
Saturday, July 12, 8:00PM
Sunday, July 13, 7:00PM


Source: Riverside Theatre press release