“Lessons from Shakespeare: How to Avoid a Personal Tragedy”

Theatre Bristol announces an encore collaboration with River’s Way to present an original production “Lessons from Shakespeare: How to Avoid a Personal Tragedy” February 17 at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm at the ARTspace, 506 State Street.”Lessons from Shakespeare: How to Avoid a Personal Tragedy” is a production that features the highlights of the works of William Shakespeare as adapted by Dottie Havlik. It was created especially for the special needs teens and young adults with River’s Way and Theatre Bristol actors.

Directing this original piece will be Theatre Bristol veteran Dottie Havlik, most recently Theatre Bristol director of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, The Adventures of Madeline and Charlotte’s Web at Theatre Bristol, and long-time actor in many shows including Steel Magnolias and The Music Man.

“These River’s Way young adults and youth are so creative, and they’re so excited to be returning to the ARTspace stage,” said Havlik. “As with last year’s show, they’re learning true theatre lessons about taking directions, overcoming nervousness, and concentrating on a task. They have shown what they can do and they know how to entertain audiences.”

River’s Way, lead by Executive Director Tom Hanlon, is an organization dedicated to the positive and productive involvement of young people with disabilities in our community.

“We are very grateful to Theatre Bristol, and especially to Dottie Havlik, for providing us with an opportunity to participate in this community play,” said Hanlon. “I cannot begin to describe the levels of excitement and anticipation that this play has generated for the students, graduates and staff of River’s Way. They are ready to go back on stage and earn some applause!”

Theatre Bristol and River’s Way thank the community for its support of this production, people with disabilities, and the arts. Working together to create live performance, we develop stories and memories that entertain and foster connections in our community among people of all abilities.

“Lessons from Shakespeare: How to Avoid a Personal Tragedy” will have two showings on Saturday, February 17 at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. Tickets are $5 and will be available online and, pending available seating at the door 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Seating is general admission and for any special accommodations, please call or email the Theatre. Show information is also available online at www.TheatreBristol.org or by calling the message line at 423-212-3625.

Theatre Bristol’s is pleased to present this River’s Way collaboration as part of its family-friendly 53rd season of ARTspace and Paramount shows, including Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Tartuffe; Pinocchio; Blithe Spirit; She Loves Me; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee and now celebrating its 53rd season. Its Main Stage season consists of up to five productions. Some of its performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120. Theatre Bristol is entirely volunteer run and we invite you to get involved. Theatre Bristol’s work is made possible by generous donors, including season sponsors The United Company Foundation and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.