THE MERCHANT OF VENICE - Southwest Shakespeare Company - August 8-10, 2025

 

By William Shakespeare, Directed by Beau Heckman

How far would you go to uphold your values and seek justice?​

​Back by popular demand, Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE delves deep into themes of mercy, justice, and self-discovery. Witness the complex interplay between Shylock, Antonio, and Portia as they navigate a world of contractual obligations and moral dilemmas. The lines between justice and revenge blur as this production challenges audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the lengths they would go to defend them. “All that glitters is not gold…”

Friday, August 8 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, August 9 at 7:30 pm

and

Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 pm​*

*THIS IS A SPECIAL STOP ACTION PERFORMANCE LED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KEATH HALL:  Join us as we stop and discuss pivotal moments in the show as the performance is actively going on! Beat by beat learn how certain moments in the play were created and developed in our modern interpretation. Cry and Rage with Shylock. Laugh with our clowns and lovers.

Performances at Theatre Artists Studio

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

TWELFTH NIGHT - Southwest Shakespeare Company - October 12-27, 2024

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Amie Bjorklund

 90-minutes, no intermission
MESA ARTS CENTER | Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse

What does it take to find your true self amidst chaos?​
As famous in its title as for a certain pair of yellow stockings, dive into the enchanting world of Illyria in Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT. This rollicking comedy of mistaken identities and unrequited love explores a journey of self-discovery as Viola disguises herself as a man, leading to a whirlwind of confusion and romance. Get ready for a new production of this comedy favorite filled with wit, humor, and the timeless question of what it means to truly know oneself.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

A CHRISTMAS CAROL FOR TWO ACTORS - Southwest Shakespeare Company - November 22-24, 2024

Limited Engagement | 75 Minutes, no intermission

MESA ARTS CENTER | Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse

Adapted by Grant Mudge from the novel by Charles Dickens
Directed by Maren Maclean from the novel by Charles Dickens

Can two actors bring a Dickensian Christmas to life?

Something is different about Scrooge tonight. Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' classic tale like never before in this innovative adaptation which brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to the stage with dazzling creativity and heartwarming performances. Watch as Scrooge embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, transforming from a miser to a man who understands the true spirit of Christmas. And all in a perfectly compact 75 minutes! God Bless Us, Everyone!

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

ROMEO AND JULIET - Southwest Shakespeare Company - February 8-23, 2025

2 hours (Including one 15-minute intermission)

MESA ARTS CENTER | Virginia Piper Repertory Theater

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Deshik Vansadia and Grant Mudge

What if the world's most tragic love story was set against one of history's greatest divides?
Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET finds new life in Gujarat, India, during the time of partition. Verona becomes an Indian city filled with color, tradition, and violence. The Montagues and Capulets become Hindu and Muslim, respectively, highlighting the timeless and universal struggle of love in the face of societal division. In a city beside the Arabian Sea, this poignant retelling examines identity, cultural conflict, and the pursuit of an independent life through the eyes of two star-crossed lovers. Deshik Vansadia, artistic director of The Shakespeare Theatre of India joins our own Grant Mudge in directing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE - Southwest Shakespeare Company - March 14-23, 2025

90 mins (On tour, abridgment available). No Intermission 

TALIESIN WEST | Music Pavilion

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Beau Heckman

How far would you go to uphold your values and seek justice?

Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE delves deep into themes of mercy, justice, and self-discovery. Witness the complex interplay between Shylock, Antonio, and Portia as they navigate a world of contractual obligations and moral dilemmas. The lines between justice and revenge blur as this production challenges audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the lengths they would go to defend them. “All that glisters is not gold…”

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

THE SECRET GARDEN - Southwest Shakespeare Company - April 4-14, 2025

TALIESIN WEST | Music Pavilion
 90 minutes

Adapted and directed by James Couger Canfield from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Can the power of nature unlock the secrets of the human heart?

Mary Lennox is a brat. She’s spoiled, loud, and too smart for her own good. In this new adaptation from the adapter and star of our sold-out hit LADIES IN WAITING: THE JUDGMENT OF HENRY VIII from a few seasons back, this wonderfully creative new adaptation THE SECRET GARDEN tells the story of young Mary Lennox as she is sent to live in her estranged uncle’s spooky house where she discovers a hidden, magical garden. This transformative journey brings Mary from sorrow to joy, teaching her—and the audience—about the healing power of nature and the process of self-discovery inherent in helping others.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

THE SCHOOL FOR LIES - Southwest Shakespeare Company - August 10-11, 2024

A One-Weekend Encore

 

The School for Lies

By David Ives

Inspired by Molière

directed by David Ira Goldstein and Maren Maclean

"“…masterfully and seamlessly blends comedy and drama..”  The cast is "..luminous...hilarious…truly inspired.” The production is 
“…infused with irreverent wit and charm.”  

Gil Benbrook, 
Talkin’ Broadway

 

Back by popular demand! It’s 1666 and the brightest, wittiest salon in Paris is that of Célimène, a beautiful young widow so known for her satiric tongue that she’s being sued for it. Surrounded by shallow suitors, whom she lives off of without surrendering to, Célimène has managed to evade love since her beloved husband died — until today when Frank appears. With a cast of colorful characters and a rollercoaster ride of verbal acrobatics and clever word play, this wild farce is sure to leave you laughing out loud.

August 10 at 7:30 pm

August 11 at 6:00 pm

Theatre Artists Studio

12406 N Paradise Village Pkwy E.

Scottsdale, AZ 85254 

CLICK HERE for more information on this production

Southwest Shakespeare Company's 2024/2025 Season!

SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE   COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2024 - 2025 SEASON: Journey into Self-Discovery Southwest Shakespeare Company presents its 31st season with five new takes on classic stories of self-discovery. Join us from October through May, and immerse yourself in tales of growth, renewal, and---even in the face of tragedy---the blossoming of the human spirit. Flex ticket packages, ("Bard Cards") are available for just $368 (the best ticket savings available!) which include 5 tickets to be used in any combination for any performance, premium seating, and admission to the four (4) Flachmann Seminars planned for the season. PLUS, NEW THIS YEAR - 50% OFF any additional tickets! Bard Card holders may also take advantage of a special discount (and two drink tickets) to an encore performance of The School for Lies. The performance will be part of our fundraising event we’re calling LIES, LAUGHS, and LIBATIONS - which will feature live pre-show music by SW Shakes Core Company artists, and a chance to meet the cast after the show. Proceeds benefit the company's Education Offerings. PURCHASE YOUR BARD CARD TODAY! OR CALL 480-644-6500 TO PURCHASE TWELFTH NIGHT By William Shakespeare Directed by Amie Bjorklund October 12 – 27, 2024 Mesa Arts Center - Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse Ever wondered what it takes to find your true self amidst chaos?  As famous in its title as in its legs, dive into the enchanting world of Illyria with Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT. This rollicking comedy of mistaken identities and unrequited love explores a journey of self-discovery as Viola disguises herself as a man, leading to a whirlwind of confusion and romance. Get ready for a new production of this comedy favorite filled with wit, humor, and the timeless question of what it means to truly know oneself.  A CHRISTMAS CAROL FOR TWO ACTORS Adapted by Grant Mudge from the novel by Charles Dickens Directed by Maren Maclean November 22 – 24, 2024 Mesa Arts Center - Nesbitt/Eliott Playhouse (Available to tour) Can two actors bring an entire world of ghosts, London urchins, and holiday spirits to life? Something is different about Scrooge tonight. Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' classic tale like never before in this innovative adaptation which brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to the stage with dazzling creativity and heartwarming performances. Watch as Scrooge embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, transforming from a miser to a man who understands the true spirit of Christmas. And all in a perfectly compact 75 minutes! God Bless Us, Everyone! ROMEO AND JULIET By William Shakespeare Co-directed by Deshik Vansadia and Grant Mudge February 8 – 23, 2025 Mesa Arts Center - Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater What if the world's most tragic love story was set against one of history's greatest divides?  Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET finds new life in Gujarat, India, during the time of partition. Verona becomes an Indian city filled with color, tradition, and violence. The Montagues and Capulets become Hindu and Muslim, respectively, highlighting the timeless and universal struggle of love in the face of societal division. In a city beside the Arabian Sea, this poignant retelling examines identity, cultural conflict, and the pursuit of an independent life through the eyes of two star-crossed lovers. Deshik Vansadia, artistic director of The Shakespeare Theatre of India joins our own Grant Mudge in directing this once-in-a-lifetime experience. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE By William Shakespeare Directed by Beau Heckman Late March/Early April 2025 Taliesin West (Available to tour) How far would you go to uphold your values and seek justice? Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE delves deep into themes of mercy, justice, and self-discovery. Witness the complex interplay between Shylock, Antonio, and Portia as they navigate a world of contractual obligations and moral dilemmas. The lines between justice and revenge blur as this production challenges audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the lengths they would go to defend them. “All that glisters is not gold…” THE SECRET GARDEN Adapted by James Cougar Canfield from the iconic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett Late April/Early May 2025 Taliesin West Can the power of nature unlock the secrets of the human heart?  Mary Lennox is a brat. She’s spoiled, loud, and too smart for her own good. In this new adaptation from the adapter and star of our sold-out hit LADIES IN WAITING: THE JUDGMENT OF HENRY VIII from a few seasons back, this wonderfully creative new adaptation THE SECRET GARDEN tells the story of young Mary Lennox as she is sent to live in her estranged uncle’s spooky houset where she discovers a hidden, magical garden. This transformative journey brings Mary from sorrow to joy, teaching her—and the audience—about the healing power of nature and the process of self-discovery inherent in helping others.  PURCHASE YOUR BARD CARD TODAY! OR CALL 480-644-6500 TO PURCHASE PURCHASE your season Flex Pass - BardCards are now on sale Purchase your BardCard early to ensure you are among the first to select your seats to specific performances.     BARD CARD BENEFITS: Best Prices! 5 Premium tickets for any show or combination of shows of your choice (at Mesa Arts Center and Taliesin West). NEW THIS YEAR - 50% OFF ADDITIONAL TICKETS! Only Bard Card members have reserved seats for performances at Taliesin West. (these shows tend to SELL OUT!) Opportunity to select seats for shows before they go on sale to the General Public. Fast and Easy exchanges.  One Ticket to each of the Flachmann Seminars this year. Special members-only discount to The School for Lies performance at LIES, LAUGHS, and LIBATIONS.  Single Tickets will go on Sale July 15th. Mark your calendars. Watch your inboxes.