2019-2020 Season Announcement

People have fun at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

I know this because they tell me this all the time.  Who would have thunk that a Shakespeare Company would be fun?  Well, we would.  We love engaging in works that are resonant in our community and all that, but we really like it when our audiences have fun too.

You may notice the difference when you come into our Baltimore theater. We love to create a lively environment from the get-go.  We present live music as you are filing in and we encourage you to purchase snacks and beverages to take with you to your seats. Sometimes you may even be welcomed to the theater by one of our actors.

We take our work very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves that seriously. We feel lucky just to have the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with our friends and neighbors, exploring one of these great plays.  For some performances, you’ll get a chance to chat with some of our creative staff about the productions, for some performances we might have a special beverage created just for the occasion. At all of our performances you’ll get a chance to have one-on-one conversations with our performers after the show.

Our Downtown neighborhood is booming! There are six restaurants within a block or two of our theater. Our friends at Arrow Parking make parking in Downtown Baltimore surprisingly easy. Please consider making an evening of it – or better yet, make several evenings of it. Renew or subscribe now!

We love what we’re doing and we love sharing our time with our audience. I hope you can tell. We have truly loyal patrons who come back again and again because they know they’ll be greeted with a welcome smile, witness the performance of a play that will keep them on their toes, and be given opportunities to hang out with our company AND have fun.

That’s why I encourage you to purchase one of our subscription packages.  I know it’ll be worth it!

Ian Gallanar
Founder and Artistic Director


Dracula
Adapted from the novel by Bram Stoker
October 4 – November 2, 2019

The mesmerizing and classic tale of horror and romance: Sinister events in a sanatorium reveal the lurking presence of the greatest vampire of all time.

A Christmas Carol
By Ian Gallanar
Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens 
December 6 – 24, 2019

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. 

Ebenezer Scrooge lives in Victorian Baltimore in our one-of-a-kind adaptation of the classic Christmas ghost story.  A delight for all ages,  A Christmas Carol (with a Baltimore twist) celebrates local history and Chesapeake culture while staying true to the traditional story. A Christmas Carol is a Season Extra (add-on play).

Measure for Measure
By William Shakespeare
February 7 – 23, 2020

Welcome to the original “Sin City.” Vienna’s puritanical new leader is cracking down on crimes against morality, and a novice nun holds her brother’s fate in her hands when he is condemned to die for a youthful indiscretion. She begs for mercy, and the new sheriff in town is willing to grant it… for a price. In the face of his shocking quid pro quo, Isabella won’t go down without a fight. But can virtue triumph over vice?

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged
By Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield 
March 6 – 29, 2020

Thirty-seven plays in 97 minutes! Three madcap men in tights weave their wicked way through Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies in one irreverent night that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

If you love Shakespeare, you’ll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show.
-The Today Show


Hamlet
By William Shakespeare
April 17 – May 10, 2020

Hamlet may be Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. It’s also a fast-paced drama overflowing with robust language, piercing ideas, and dark humor. CSC Resident Actor Vince Eisenson will play dazzling Prince Hamlet, who wrestles with madness as he seeks to avenge his father’s murder.

Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
In-the-Ruins (outdoors) at The PFI Historic Park in Ellicott City
June 19 – July 26, 2020

It takes a village of meddlers, gossips, and fools to nudge Beatrice and Benedick toward the altar. They are made for one another. Everyone sees it…except them, of course. Enjoy Shakespeare’s smart-and-sassy romantic comedy under the stars at the PFI Historic Park. Bring a picnic! Much Ado About Nothing is a Season Extra (add-on play).