The American Theatre of Actors is continuing its summer of classics with the timeless masterpiece,
King Lear! 

King Lear is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences centuries after it was first performed. Its exploration of universal themes like power, betrayal, madness, and redemption makes it the perfect choice for any theatre-goer. This production of the piece, directed by American Theatre of Actor Founder James Jennings, brings fresh energy to Shakespeare’s tragedy.

The production will run from August 14th through August 25th, with performances at 7:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and matinees at 3:00 PM on Sundays. Tickets are available now, click here! 

King Lear is widely considered one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies, presenting a gripping tale of an aging monarch slipping into madness. Approaching an old age, he decides to split his kingdom into thirds for his three daughters, with the boundaries being drawn based on their public declarations of love for their father. The elders, Goneril and Regan, speak eloquently and enthusiastically of their father. However, Cordelia is at a loss for words and is unable to express her appreciation. 

In a striking moment of anger, King Lear disowns and banishes Cordelia along with the Earl of Kent, who had taken her side. In the days following, Lear grows regretful and longs for his youngest daughter. The show reaches a peak during the height of a great storm when Lear finally snaps and begins to run wild in search of his daughter. With his Fool alongside him, Lear seeks shelter and aid and eventually heads for the coast, where Cordelia has landed with a French army. 

Whether you’re drawn by the intense family drama, the profound insights into human nature, or simply the beauty of Shakespeare’s language, King Lear is a show that promises to leave a lasting impression. The American Theatre of Actors offers a powerful reminder of the long-standing relevance of classic theater. 

In this gripping production, Alan Hasnas takes on the role of King Lear, perfectly capturing the nuances of a strong yet deranged monarch. Alan is no stranger to playing Shakespeare roles and has delivered performances as Macbeth, Marc Antony, King Claudius, and more. 

His counterpart, Claudia, is played by the talented Quinn Nguyen, an Australian actress based in NYC. Quinn made her NYC debut on the Cullum Stage last year in Rich & Dale Baron’s “Dream On, Baransky!,” which makes this role all the more exciting for her! To learn more about the cast that will be lighting up ATA later this month, click here! 

Director James Jennings founded The American Theatre of Actors in 1976 with the hopes of promoting new actors, writers, and directors. In the nearly 50 years since then, his theatre has presented hundreds of new works and kicked off countless careers. Despite this investment in new works, Jennings still has an eye for the classics and shared with us that he is excited to put on his director’s cap again! 

This production of King Lear promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to see this timeless classic presented rght in the heart of midtown! 

Performance Schedule:

• Dates: August 14-25, 2024
• Times: 7:00 PM (Wednesday through Saturday), 3:00 PM (Sundays)
• Venue: John Cullum Stage, American Theatre of Actors

Tickets:
Tickets are available now and can be purchased directly here.