Freed's "Beard" set for spring in Escondido

San Diego's North County Times included notice of auditions for a Patio Playhouse spring 2011 production of Amy Freed's 2001 play about the Shakespeare authorship controversy, Beard of Avon, in the paper's Community News section today:

Auditions for 'The Beard of Avon'

ESCONDIDO ---- Patio Playhouse will hold auditions for "The Beard of Avon" from 10 am. to 1 p.m. Oct. 30 and from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 1 at the theater, 201 E. Grand Ave, Suite 1D. The story is about a bumpkin known as Will Shakspere who longs to be an artist and flee from his filthy barn, his homebound wife and incessant chores. Parts include: Will Shakspere, in his 30s ---- simple, honest, an appealing fellow who possesses hidden gifts; Edward De Vere, 40s-60s ---- 17th Earl of Oxford, wicked, charming, sexy and gay; Queen Elizabeth, 50s-60s ---- a sacred monster who wants a boyfriend; Anne Hathaway, 30s ---- Will's lively, illiterate and promiscuous wife; Henry Wriothesley, 20s ---- young, beautiful and De Vere's lover; Old Colin, 60s-70s ---- shepherd who is Will's friend; John Heminge, 40s-60s ---- manager of an acting company; Henry Condel, 40s-60s ---- Heminge's partner; Geoffrey Dunderbread, 20s ---- actor; and Richard Burbage, 30s-40s --- actor. There are also numerous smaller roles for males; some roles may be doubled. Auditions will be cold readings. Head shots and resumes welcome but not required. Performance dates are Feb. 18-March 12. Call 760-489-6522 or e-mail www.trademarks@cox.net .

The production will be produced by Gretchen Pili and directed by Jim Clevenger.

NOTE 10/19/10:
Freed's Beard of Avon was performed by the Notre Dame de Namur University Department of Theatre and Dance to critical acclaim by Keith Kreitman in San Mateo's Daily Journal, "Shakespeare -- as you like it". The show will continue through October 24, 2010.

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