鈥淚t is just such a joy to get to share Shakespeare with our community every year.鈥�

This from Bard in the Valley鈥檚 vice-president following what Dylan Coulter described as a challenging but rewarding summer run of 鈥淎 Winter鈥檚 Tale.鈥�

鈥淵es, it was a great run.鈥�

Wrapping up its 14th year, Bard in the Valley (BIV) theatrical group presents annual Shakespearean play in various outdoor forums around 91原创 each summer.

This year, their production was hosted first at Township 7 Winery, then in the City of 91原创 at Douglas Park Spirit Square.

鈥淲e are thrilled to see so many local patrons in the city come to take in free theatre in the park, and I was so excited to share this show in particular,鈥� Coulter said.

鈥淭his year is the first time in a few years that I haven鈥檛 been on stage performing, and I loved being able to chat with patrons in the audience, to discuss the play and their interpretations of it,鈥� said Coulter, who noted even before they wrapped this latest production, work was already underway on next year鈥檚 summer show, as well as a new winter event.

Auditions will be held in early February for next summer鈥檚 showing of 鈥淭he Merry Wives of Windsor,鈥� a classic Shakespearean comedy which is being directed by Coulter.

鈥淭his play is as close to a farce as you get in Shakespeare, with lots of slapstick and comedic moments all surrounding the attempted wooing of two wives by the outlandish John Falstaff, who has many pranks played on him as he seeks to ingratiate himself with the wealthy women of the town. His ridiculous retinue of followers get themselves into trouble as well, and the story ends with some poignant ruminations on love,鈥� he explained.

While work continues behind the scenes for next summer's show, Bard in the Valley is turning much of its attention now to a Shakespearean-themed original production called 鈥淩otten in the State of Denmark,鈥� written and directed by BIV鈥檚 Darcy J. Knopp.

This original play will show at the Fort 91原创 Community Hall from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a play based in modern time with modern language, but as the title might suggest, parallels much of the story of Hamlet,鈥� said Bryan Cutler, production manager of this past summer鈥檚 show.

鈥淎fter speaking with Darcy on the phone鈥� he told me he wrote the play before the pandemic and that it included a world where there was a war waging in Europe and lots of division, which as time progressed, actually became a very real reality. I thought that was really interesting, and I think it will add to the reality and connection to character for the audience,鈥� said Cutler.

Open auditions for the January show began this weekend. Those interested in auditioning can do so online at: .