Arts, Dining & Entertainment

“ Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead ” heads to Brandon for three performances

Courtesy of Shakespeare on Main Street

Jennifer Sanford will portray Guildenstern in Shakespeare on Main Street’s 2016 summer production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” by Tom Stoppard.

July 29-31—BRANDON—Gary Meitrott, artistic director and co-founder of Shakespeare on Main Street (SoMS), will direct the company’s 2016 summer production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” by Tom Stoppard. The show comes to the Brandon Town Hall theatre on July 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m., and July 31 at 2 p.m.

A former Broadway actor, Meitrott has been passionately immersed in Shakespeare’s work for many decades. He has spent the last several years gaining a deeper understanding of how to perform Shakespeare’s text for modern day audiences. SoMS, now in its 13th season, has performed 13 productions with its senior and junior companies.

What makes SoMS’ performances so beloved is Meitrott’s unique style of directing. “Gary works with theatre on multiple levels—heart, mind, spirit, and action,” said one actor. “Not only has he taught me to better my actress self, but he’s pushed me to take full advantage of what the stage and the character has to offer. A powerful role model for all ages, his vibrant energy is a constant joy to work with and learn from.”

Meitrott’s directional style allows actors to give more authentic performances, which allows them to better connect with the audience. This, in turn, allows theatre patrons to better comprehend the relevance of Shakespeare’s messages to modern day problems and world issues, and to more deeply explore human values, cultural diversity, and the human condition—with all of its strength and frailties.

Meitrott also founded Drum Journeys of Earth where he teaches numerous styles of ethnic hand percussion. Bringing his acting and musical talents together, he created the Halloween group known as the Drumming Skellies, which have performed in the Rutland Vermont Halloween Parade for more than 10 years. He lives in Danby, with his wife, Diane.

Tickets are $18 for adults, and $12 for ages 18 and under. Advanced tickets in Brandon are available at Carr’s Florists.

For more info, visit ShakespeareOnMainStreet.org.

Mountain Times Newsletter

Sign up below to receive the weekly newsletter, which also includes top trending stories and what all the locals are talking about!