Tonatiuh Newbold is shown at the piano. He has written three songs for this year’s production. Submitted photos
For the eighth time, Shakespeare is returning to Yosemite National Park.
Shakespeare in Yosemite has been produced by the Theatre Department at UC Merced each year.
This year, the play is entitled “As Yosemite Likes It.”
“As always, it’s a love letter to Yosemite and the people who keep it safe,” said Katherine Brokaw, artistic director of the play and a professor of literature, environmental humanities and theatre at UC Merced.
A tagline on the poster states: “Made for Yosemite: full of music, humor and trees.”
There will be four performances in Yosemite. All will be at the amphitheater in Curry Village. Dates and times are:
• Friday, April 25 at 5 p.m.
• Saturday, April 26 at noon and 5 p.m.
• Sunday, April 27 at noon
There will also be a performance on the campus of UC Merced on Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m. at the Wallace Dutra Amphitheater. The show in Merced is free and people are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
Joey Serrano and German Paniagua rehearse as Orlando and Oliver for the upcoming Shakespeare in Yosemite production.
At Yosemite, the performances are free though regular admission to the park is required.
The production is sponsored by Yosemite Hospitality, Rose Music Studio, Visit Yosemite | Madera County and the Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Bureau. In case of inclement weather, the show will be at the Yosemite Theatre in Yosemite Village.
This Shakespeare comedy takes place in a forest called “Arden,”which then transforms into Yosemite. The point is for people to “think about how wild ecosystems nurture us: they are good for our hearts and souls, but they also harbor the trees and watershed we all need to survive,” said Brokaw.
During the production, audience members will be treated to live music, comedy, love stories and a heartfelt message about finding common ground — both literally and figuratively — to protect the planet.
This year’s production, said Brokaw, features many familiar faces from past shows as well as new stars.
Tonatiuh Newbold, who is a pianist in the Ahwahnee Hotel, returns as the music director. He has composed three original songs for the show and arranged several other pop songs for inclusion. He is also taking on the role of Touchstone.
For more information about the show, visit www.yosemiteshakes.ucmerced.edu
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