By Amanda Downs ’17
At the mid-point of its 2015-16 season, the Department of Theatre and Dance at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota, is excited to present one of the latest works from the award-winning team of Alex Timbers and Michael Friedman (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) to the Anderson Theatre audience: Love’s Labour’s Lost: The Musical. This production, the latest work of the Bard to receive a musical adaptation, made its 2013 debut from the Public Theatre at Shakespeare in the Park. Gustavus will present this fun and catchy show on February 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 8:00 p.m., and February 21 and 28 at 2:00 p.m. on the Anderson Theatre stage.
Adapted from the well-known, early play of William Shakespeare, Love’s Labour’s Lost: The Musical follows the King of Navarre and his three friends as they declare a vow of study, which includes no sleep, fasting and, above all, that no woman may come within a mile of the court. However, when the Princess of France and her court come to call on the King, the men’s oath and willpower is challenged. Amongst the trickery, catchy songs, and a plot twist that varies from the standard way of interpreting Shakespeare’s texts, Love’s Labour’s Lost: The Musical explores themes of longing, love, and an intense battle of wits.
A strong and captivating production like this is no stranger to the Anderson Theatre stage. Director Henry MacCarthy has added to the production in many ways, including bringing back two of the department’s alumni, Samuel Grace ’11 and Lydia Francis ’11, to work on the show. Grace has returned to Gustavus to serve as the musical director and, throughout January, has worked with the actors and the instrumentalists to bring the funky and creative tunes to life. Set Designer Francis has produced a whimsical set that will leave the audience talking.
Gustavus Adolphus College, in association with Music Theatre International (MTI), is proud to present Timbers & Friedman’s Love’s Labour’s Lost: The Musical, February 19 and 20, 26 and 27, at 8:00 p.m., and February 21 and 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available at gustavustickets.com or by calling 507-933-7590. For additional information, please visit: www.gustavus.edu/theatre-dance.
PRESS CONTACT FOR LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST: THE MUSICAL
Amanda Downs at adowns@gustavus.edu or Henry MacCarthy at hmaccart@gustavus.edu