Today is the traditionally observed birthday of William Shakespeare. It is known he was born in 1564, which makes this the 451st birthday.

The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre earlier announced the lineup for the 2014 season.   The dates have now been announced.

The Merry Wives of Windsor – Love and deception are the name of the game in the small town of Windsor when Shakespeare’s famous larger-than-life anti-hero Falstaff comes for a visit. Falstaff sets out to woo the Housewives of Windsor for some quick cash, but finds himself outfoxed by the wise Windsor Wives, becoming the buffoon instead of the leading man in his own ambitious tale of romance.  The entire family will laugh their way through this energetic and charming farce.

Presented outdoors at the Village at Hendrix and on the ground of the Argenta Farmers’ Market.  All performances are “pay what you can,” with a suggested donation of $15. Performances are June 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 25, 26 & 28

 The Merchant of Venice – Comedy and tragedy collide in this story of lovers united and families torn apart.  At the center is Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. When the Venetian merchant Antonio is forced to seek a loan from Shylock, a man he despises for his religion and profession, he is asked to enter into an impossible contract: he must give a pound of flesh if unable to pay back the borrowed sum. What follows is a complex and challenging exploration of love, mercy, integrity, and justice that reminds us that, “all that glisters is not gold.”

Presented on-stage at Reynolds Performance Hall, Conway. Performances are June 19, 20, 23, 27 & 28.

As You Like It – For All Ages! This one-hour Family Shakespeare adaptation takes you on a comedic romp through the Forest of Arden, an enchanting world in which nothing is quite what it seems.  Rosalind is our bold and witty heroine who discovers her true nature and the nature of love when forced into disguise as a boy. This play reveals the potential of poetry to make things happen—to transform and reform, to turn longing into love, and to reveal wisdom through silliness.

Presented on-stage at Reynolds Performance Hall, Conway. Performances are June 23, 25, 26 & 27.

Also available to tour to communities across the state through July 5. All you need is a space—we’ll provide the rest.  For more information about how to bring As You Like It to your town, e-mail Mary Ruth Marotte at mrmarotte@arkshakes.com.

Fiddler on the Roof – This classic beloved musical tells the story of Tevye the dairyman who takes ultimate joy in his family and traditions. He works to raise his five daughters and see them married well, but must struggle against modern ideas and the rising tide of anti-Semitism in 1900s Russia that threaten to destroy his family and their way of life.

Presented on-stage at Reynolds Performance Hall, Conway. Performances are June 10, 12, 14, 21, 24 & 27.

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will kick off their 2015-2016 season with the Scottish Play running from September 11 – 27.

Murder, madness and magic haunt every shadowy corner in the most powerful of William Shakespeare’s great tragedies.

After receiving an ominous prophecy on a blood-soaked battlefield, Macbeth and his ambitious wife claw their way to the Scottish throne, and damned be all who stand in their way! Each step closer to fulfilling his royal Fate leads Macbeth deeper and deeper into a fiendish quagmire of carnage and corruption, from which none can survive; not even him.

“The original House of Cards. It’s fitting to start off a milestone season with the English language’s greatest author,” said Bob Hupp, Producing Artistic Director at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. “Shakespeare keeps us honest, and tests our mettle when we seek to tell great stories that demand to live on a stage. I’ve been reading and seeing productions of The Scottish Play for more than 30 years, now I’m ready to direct it for you this fall.”