Shakespeare in Rochester's Municipal Park: "King Lear" Rules August 3 - 5

With his reign over Britain drawing to a close, the aging, tyrannical King Lear intends to divide his realm among his daughters – Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. There's one catch: They must proclaim their utmost devotion. The unscrupulous Goneril and Regan shower oodles of false love, for which they're generously rewarded. The devoted Cordelia expresses her profound love simply and succinctly. Lear is taken aback by this lack of lavishness, disinheriting her in a fit of rage. As he comes to realize the error of his ways, Goneril and Regan turn ruthless in their quest for power, plotting with the Duke of Cornwall and the bastard Edmund. Cordelia, now married to the King of France, prepares to attack England for the good of Lear. Meanwhile, the Duke of Albany, the loyal earls of Kent and Gloucester, plus Gloucester's legitimate son, Edgar, do their part to help save the kingdom. Deceit, disguise and dishonor run rampant as a pathetic, ever-despairing Lear wonders aloud, “O fool, I shall go mad!”

Full Impact Theater invites you to witness all the madness, murder and mayhem that make William Shakespeare's King Lear a tragedy of epic proportions. The artful, open-air stage and creative, gadget-modded costumes are avant-garde steampunk. Directed by the accomplished Lisa Melinn,King Lear opens on Friday, August 3, at 7:00 p.m. in downtown Rochester's Municipal Park (where the Art & Apples Festival is annually held). Performances also run on Saturday, August 4, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., concluding on Sunday, August 5, at 2:00 p.m. This is a rain-or-shine, bring-your-own-blanket – or stadium-style-seat – event. And it's rated PG-13: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Get your tickets now and save some bucks: Presale tickets are specially priced at just $8 for seniors and students, and only $10 for all others. If you wish to wait, those same tickets will cost you $10 or $12, respectively, at the entrance. Group rates are also available. Securely purchase your tickets online (without any service charges or processing fees) at the FullImpactTheater.org website. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to phone 248.609.9019.

Mesmerizing audiences with classics-based entertainment, Full Impact Theater distinguishes itself from other student drama groups. Fostering camaraderie and communication skills in teens ages 13 to 19 through intensive mentoring – with an emphasis on mutual respect – Full Impact Theater upholds and provides professional standards normally associated with adult troupes. Teens are not only involved in every facet of production, they have a big say as members of the board. Please duly note that Full Impact Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.