Name: <em>The Winter’s Tale</em> — A Public Works Musical
Start: 2023-11-10T20:00:00-05:00
End: 2023-11-10T20:00:00-05:00
Location: Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center

This original Public Works adaptation of The Winter’s Tale, with music and new lyrics by Todd Almond, was originally conceived and directed by Lear deBessonet based on the play by William Shakespeare.

Directed at Princeton by professional director and faculty member Shariffa Ali, this musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is set in dystopian Sicilia and utopian Bohemia and inspired by Afrofuturism and centers community participation through a story of love, betrayal and redemption. The Winter’s Tale will include a student cast of 20; a community cast of 42; along with 20 members of the Princeton Playhouse Choir, several student performing arts groups including Sympoh Urban Arts Crew, Raqs: Princeton Belly Dance Company, Dorabucci African Dance Company, and HUA Chinese Dance group; and cameo appearances by many well-known campus faculty and staff.

The production will feature music direction by Playhouse Ensembles leader and faculty member Solon Snider Sway, performance direction by faculty member Chesney Snow, and choreography by alumna Rachel Schwartz ’18. The set and costumes are designed by faculty member Sarita Fellows with lighting design by faculty member Tess James and sound design by staff member Kay Richardson. The production is led by the stage management team of staff members Carmelita Becnel and Milan Eldridge.

The Winter’s Tale is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.

Video: The Winter’s Tale Celebrates Humanity & Community

Photo Gallery

A large group of performers in colorful costumes dance and sing with enthusiasm on stage

Photo by Larry Levanti

A group of young performers dance on stage

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor in the foreground breakdances in front of a group of other performers on stage

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor holds an looks a flower while walking on stage

Photo by Larry Levanti

A group of actors dressed in bright robes and dresses sit and casually converse and sing

An actor wearing a crown embraces another actor in colorful robes kneeling on the stage

An actor dressed as a queen and appears pregnant holds her hand out to another actor who is on one knee

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor holds a baby and appears to be singing as another actor sings in the background

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor dressed in a white gown walks defiantly through groups of actors flanking both sides of the stage

Photo by Larry Levanti

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor dressed in black intensely hold a knife in front of her face

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor who looks fearful is surrounded by a group of threatening figures dressed in white

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor holding a prop baby looks frightened

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor in the center of the stage addresses others who are sitting and standing in back

Photo by Larry Levanti

An actor dressed in bright robes sings while holding a prop baby

A large group of actors in colorful costumes pass a prop that appears to be a bundled baby through the crowd

Photo by Larry Levanti

Photo by Larry Levanti

Winter’s Tale Cast & Playbill Info

Meet the Cast

View the Show Playbill

Performance Tickets & Details

Performances of The Winter’s Tale are open to the public and tickets are required. Tickets are currently sold out.

Tickets: $12 in advance of show dates, $17 purchased the day of performances at the box office, and $10 for students (Passport to the Arts eligible for Princeton students).

Directions

Get directions to Berlind Theatre and find other venue information for McCarter Theatre Center.

Accessibility

Berlind Theatre is an accessible venue with wheelchair and companion seating available. The November 11 performance will be open/live captioned. An assistive listening system is available and headphones can be requested from ushers. Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations, including Berlind Theatre. Attendees in need of other access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.