July 7, 2003 - Hadley, MA - With all the fervor of youth, four young noblemen vow to devote themselves to study, eat only one scant meal a day, and forego the company of women for three full years.  Inevitably, no sooner is the ink dry on their compact than four beautiful noblewomen arrive on a state mission.  Thus begins the foolishness and fun of Shakepeare's wittiest comedy, Love's Labors Lost.  The efforts of the men to pursue their amorous impulses are complicated by the exploits of a set of unforgettable minor characters portrayed by some of Hampshire Shakespeare Company's most seasoned actors.  Strong women and a surprisingly unpredictable ending characterize this "feast of language" play.

Director Jim Ellis finds the right atmosphere for this staging in the world of eighteenth century France with sets and costumes reminiscent of a Fragonard painting.  Alan Dallmann as the King of Navarre and Steve Angel as Lord Berowne head the strong cast with Sandra Blaney returning in the role of the Princess of France.  The meadows that surround the stage at The Hartsbrook School at 193 Bay Road in Hadley supply just the right bucolic atmosphere for this pastoral comedy.  Love's Labors Lost runs Wednesday to Sunday at 7 PM from July 16 through 27.  The HSC Young Company will present its own production of Love's Labors Lost on August 1-3, also at 7 PM.  Laura Eden-Patnode directs this group.

The venue at The Hartsbrook School is handicapped-accessible.  Chairs are provided, and audience members can also choose to sit on the grass.  Audience members are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy in the beautiful rural setting.  This year, Picnics To Go - special picnic suppers prepared by Flayvors of Cook Farm - may be ordered by calling 413-584-2224.

Each Friday, you can enhance your appreciation of the show with a special pre-show talk or demonstration beginning at 6:30 pm.  Paul Nelsen, Marlboro College Theater Department chair and Globe Theater reconstruction specialist will speak on July 18.  On July 25, the Hart's Brook Garland women, Juggler Meadow Morris men, and Wake Robin Morris women will provide a lively performance of their unique skills.

All seating is general admission, with early comers seated first.  All performances proceed on a weather-permitting basis.  Umbrellas are offered to the audience in the event of a sudden downpour or light rain.  We do not perform in torrential rain.  In the event of a cancellation, all tickets will be honored at any future performance.  General admission tickets are $15, students and seniors $10, and children (to age 18) $6.  Young Company show tickets are all $5.  Groups of 10 or more can purchase blocks of tickets for 20% off regular prices.  For schedule, group sales and ticket information, visit the Company's web site (www.hampshireshakespeare.org) or call 413-548-8118.

Hampshire Shakespeare Company receives support from 2003 Season Sponsors Hadley Printing and WFCR.  In addition, Richard III costumes are supported by a grant from the Nan and Matilda Heydt Fund administered by Fleet National Bank and by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.  Additional funding of this project is provided by grants from the Amherst, Hadley and Leverett Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Consult the web site for complete details about all the Hampshire Shakespeare Company's many activities (www.hampshireshakespeare.org) or call 413-548-8118.

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