The Lakeland Civic Theatre will present a dramatic staged reading of William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Both performances will be held in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center in the D-Building of Lakeland’s campus.

One of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedies, “King Lear” presents audiences with a riveting story of power, greed and family loyalty as the monarch attempts to divide his kingdom amongst his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia.

Problems arise when the wise and virtuous Cordelia, having refused to shower the king with false praise and flattery, is stripped of her royal status. Yet, she remains faithful to her father, much to her sisters’ chagrin. What ensues is a gripping tale of greed and jealousy over the authority of the kingdom, as well as their father’s admiration.

“’King Lear’ remains a timely tale for all audiences on the importance of honesty, virtue and integrity in those who hold positions of power,” says Dr. Martin Friedman, director of the Lakeland Civic Theatre.

Starring as King Lear is Mitchell Fields, whose longstanding career in arts and entertainment makes him a powerful force in Cleveland’s theater scene.

The Lakeland Civic Theatre expresses gratitude to the following performers’ unions, Actors’ Equity Association, American Guild of Musical Artists, American Guild of Variety Artists and SAG-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the artists to appear in “King Lear.”

Tickets can be purchased online at the Arts at Lakeland website or upon arrival at the box office. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and veterans and $10 for Lakeland students with ID. The Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center is located on Lakeland’s campus at 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, Ohio, 44094, just off the I-90/State Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

ABOUT LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

Lakeland Civic Theatre produces shows where members of the community can enjoy exceptional play productions that range in themes from classical literature to the avant-garde, famed musicals to beloved comedies. Performers can include equity actors, community members and students. These professional productions take place in the 400-seat Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, where every seat has a great view of the stage and the feel of an intimate theater setting.

In addition to productions, Lakeland's theater program also offers classes that include the following: two survey courses in the history of theater; and classes in voice and movement, scene study, set construction, and lighting and sound. Students are afforded opportunities to perform in the Lakeland Civic Theatre or be a part of the production crew, where they gain a great deal of hands-on work experience using state-of-the-art technology.

Lakeland's faculty is drawn from the ranks of professional actors and directors and those who currently work in radio and television broadcasting.

By: Charles Hegedus, Mrktg and Commun Specialist